170: How blockchain could finally fix the menopause research gap

Send a textIn this episode of the Hotflash inc podcast, host and founder Ann Marie McQueen takes you into a whole new realm of possibility: decentralized science, or DeSci. Joining her is Mack Stachowiak, a physicist, software architect and healthcare innovator who is pioneering the integration of blockchain, AI, and Web3 into healthcare as co-founder of Axon DAO.You might be thinking, “why are you talking about this?” – and we get it. Crypto and blockchain can feel like a foreign language. But this conversation reveals how decentralized science could completely change the game when it comes to the lack of menopause and midlife research – by putting data ownership and funding power into the hands of individuals and communities.Mack shares how Axon DAO’s platform allows people to share and monetize their health data (ethically and consensually), explains how voice biomarkers can detect hormone fluctuations, and shares mulitple menopause-specific projects he wants to launch right now – but needs the right researchers and community to do it.This episode is for anyone tired of waiting for “more data” – and ready to build the systems we need now.Episode highlights:1:30 – What is decentralized science (DeSci) and why should we care?3:10 – Why most people – including doctors – don’t even know DeSci exists6:45 – How blockchain-backed tokens fund research in a faster, fairer way12:00 – Why Axon DAO gives users full control over their health data14:15 – How scientists can build research platforms using Axon DAO18:55 – Using sleep data to support menopausal women20:00 – How voice analysis can detect stress, PTSD, and even vagus nerve dysfunction26:30 – How Mack’s team is handling data privacy and regulatory compliance28:20 – Upcoming projects on Alzheimer’s, medical cannabis, and psilocybin microdosing33:00 – The enormous gap in menopause research – and how DeSci can close it35:10 – Voice-based hormone and hot flash tracking: already here37:45 – Mack’s open invitation to women researchers and citizen scientists40:30 – Why you should own your data and share it on your own terms44:30 – Health optimization as a cultural shift: empowerment through ownership46:15 – One medical device that could change the game – if it wasn’t siloed48:00 – How community and open access can transform women’s health research50:30 – “You don’t need to understand crypto – just use your email and get started”Connect with Mack and Axon DAO:A Plus Voice research program: https://aplusvoice.ioX: https://twitter.com/axondaoIG: https://www.instagram.com/axondao/Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse: Web: hotflashinc.comNewsletter: Hotflash inc. on SubstackTikTok: @hotflashincInstagram: @hotflashincX: @hotflashinc Episode website: Hotflashinc Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information